#TCMBestof2020 – EIT Race Radios Hometown Hero Award In Memory of Robert Tomlinson to Doug Matchett

Photo: Speedway Miramichi Operations Crew Denver Matchett, track owner Barry Richard and Doug Matchett.

As can be said about 2020, the selection of this year’s EIT Race Radios Hometown Hero Award In Memory of Robert Tomlinson is a bit off the board compared to previous years. While this year’s recipient may not have raced himself this year, he had a major impact on multiple facets of the sport of stock car racing this past season.

After an off-season accident temporarily sidelined his driving career, Doug Matchett set out to help those who would be on track in 2020. His drive and determination to help out the behind the scenes of the sport we all love through several outlets has earned the Miramichier the EIT Race Radios Hometown Hero Award In Memory of Robert Tomlinson.

The 2018 Speedway Miramichi Modified track champion and nine-time Atlantic Modified Tour feature winner transitioned his focus in 2020 to lending a hand to his home track in an increased role. As we’re sure track owner Barry Richard will tell you, a lot of work behind the scenes in his success at the speedway in 2020 can be attributed to Matchett.

In addition to helping out around the grounds prior to and during race days when he wasn’t in the seat of his No. 75 Modified, Matchett took on a bigger off-track work load which included donning a headset as Race Director for the North Shore oval. When Matchett wasn’t on the radio, he could be seen behind the wheel of the Enforcer or the Interceptor “official” Demolition cars, making sure all the Demolition and Burnout competitors played by the rules, or with a fire extinguisher in hand helping to put out fires with the clean up crew. Leading up to a show, it wouldn’t be uncommon to see Matchett lending a hand to making sure the facility was ready to go with whatever chores needed tending to. Matchett was also instrumental in the Very Best Fall Shootout as he took up the task of selling the lap leaderboard for the Street Stock 100.

In addition to his at track and off-track role at Speedway Miramichi, Matchett also sits on the Atlantic Modified Tour Board of Directors as the Vice President. The Series was able to race seven times in 2020 with Yves McCray locking down his first Series title.

While Matchett himself couldn’t be on track in 2020, part of his car was. The motor from Matchett’s Modified car was on loan to South Esk, New Brunswick’s Chris Wilson. Wilson dug deep for two Atlantic Modified Tour victories with the Matchett power plant in his car – one on SpeedWeekend at Speedway 660 and the next a few weeks later during the Mike Stevens Memorial at Petty International Raceway.

Photo by Michelle Roy

On the rare off-weekends when Matchett wasn’t at Speedway Miramichi or with the Atlantic Modified Tour, chances are you could have found him at a race track supporting any way he could. For instance, he helped out as a tow truck operator earlier in the season with Barry Richard at Speedway 660 when they needed an extra flat deck. His willingness to help out and be a part of the sport any way he could in 2020 was seemingly endless, even if he couldn’t be behind the wheel of a race car.

Congratulations to Doug Matchett on being named the receipient of the EIT Race Radios Hometown Hero Award In Memory of Robert Tomlinson. Matchett will receive a package from EIT Race Radios to commemorate the honor.

Past Champions:
2020 – Doug Matchett of Miramichi, NB
2019 – Dedicated to the Memory of Robert Tomlinson of Arthurette, NB
2018 – Rick Balsor of Aylesford, NS
2017 – Troy Burke of Harrington, PE
2016 – Ryan Messer of Harvey, NB
2015 – Richard Atkinson of Geary, NB

About EIT Race Radios
EIT Race Radios was established in May 2002 as a supplier of radio communication equipment for motor sports race teams and fans. EIT Race Radios attends race events across the Maritimes every weekend and provides communication assistance and equipment to race teams and track staff as well as radio scanners and headphones for sale or rent to race fans. For a complete product and price list, along with a schedule of events that EIT Race Radios and Brent Rowley will be attending, please visit www.eitgroup.com.

About Tim’s Corner Motorsports:
Tim’s Corner Motorsports (TCM) is your destination for all your regional stock car racing news in Atlantic Canada. From Bandoleros to Super Late Models, from New Brunswick to Newfoundland, TCM covers it all. Be sure to follow TCM on all social platforms for content from the track at @TimsCornerCA.  For more information on Tim’s Corner Motorsports or to get up to date on all local stock car racing news, visit TimsCorner.ca! Until next time, keep the hammer down and we’ll see you at the track!

Photo by Mike Francis